By Augustine Aminu
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has challenged energy journalists to embrace continuous learning, data accuracy and the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the quality, credibility and impact of energy reporting in Nigeria.
Speaking at a capacity-building workshop organised by the NUJ FCT Council in partnership with Chevron, Comrade Ike said the media has a critical role in shaping public understanding of the energy sector, influencing policy debates, promoting transparency and driving sustainable development.
The workshop, themed “Strengthening Energy Journalism Through Knowledge, Data Accuracy and Artificial Intelligence,” brought together journalists, energy correspondents, industry experts and stakeholders to enhance reporting skills in Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.
According to her, energy journalism has become more important than ever as the sector continues to influence economic growth, investment, environmental sustainability and the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
“Energy powers development, and the stories we tell about it shape policy decisions, public trust, investment flows and community outcomes,” she said.
“As journalists, we are not simply chroniclers of events; we are interpreters of complex systems, guardians of accountability and bridges between technical experts and ordinary citizens.”
Comrade Ike stressed that journalists covering the energy sector must continuously build their knowledge of industry operations, financing, regulation, infrastructure and emerging technologies to provide accurate and contextual reports.
She noted that the technical nature of the energy industry requires reporters to move beyond headline writing and produce stories that explain the implications of policies and projects for businesses, consumers and host communities.
The NUJ FCT Chairman described data accuracy as the foundation of credible journalism, urging media professionals to rely on primary sources, verify statistics and cross-check information from government agencies, companies and independent organisations before publication.
“In an era of competing claims and information overload, credible data separates sound journalism from speculation,” she said.
She warned journalists against publishing unverified figures, adding that transparency about data limitations helps strengthen public confidence in the media.
On the growing influence of artificial intelligence in journalism, Comrade Ike said AI should be viewed as a tool that enhances newsroom efficiency rather than replacing editorial judgment.
She explained that AI can assist journalists by analysing large datasets, identifying trends, transcribing interviews and processing documents more efficiently.
However, she cautioned that the technology can also generate false information, reinforce bias and remove critical context if used without proper verification.
“Our responsibility is to combine AI’s speed with rigorous fact-checking, editorial judgment and ethical standards,” she said.
She encouraged journalists to develop the skills needed to effectively use AI tools while validating every AI-assisted output against credible primary sources.
Comrade Ike also acknowledged the contributions of the workshop facilitators, including experts in energy operations, data journalism, artificial intelligence and regulatory policy, noting that their expertise would equip participants with practical knowledge to improve reporting standards.
She commended Chevron for supporting the initiative, describing the company’s investment in journalists’ professional development as a contribution to transparency, safety and sustainable development in Nigeria’s energy sector.
“Productive journalism and constructive corporate engagement are complementary pillars of a responsible energy sector,” she stated.
The NUJ FCT Chairman further urged journalists to prioritise accuracy over speed, clarity over sensationalism and independent inquiry over convenience while reporting on the energy industry.
She reminded participants that behind every policy, infrastructure project and market statistic are real people whose lives are directly affected by developments in the sector.
According to her, quality energy journalism should amplify community voices, celebrate innovation that benefits citizens and expose wrongdoing wherever it occurs.
As the workshop commenced, Comrade Ike challenged participants to leave with stronger technical knowledge of the energy sector, improved data verification skills and the ability to apply artificial intelligence responsibly in their daily reporting.
She expressed confidence that better-informed journalists would strengthen democratic accountability, improve public understanding of energy issues and contribute to a more transparent, sustainable and inclusive energy future for Nigeria.
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